Massey Bros. understands that arranging a funeral can be a difficult experience for relatives and friends of the deceased. We know that funeral costs can be a concern for anyone responsible for arranging a funeral. It is our role to assist you in arranging a funeral which is both a fitting tribute to your loved one and which takes into account the family’s financial circumstances.
As members of the Irish Association of Funeral Directors, we have committed to its Code of Practice which means we discuss and agree funeral costs when the arrangements are being made unless the family requests that they would prefer not to discuss costs at this time.
At every stage, we advise the person responsible for arranging the funeral of the costs involved and, where possible, offer a range of quality options at varying price points. When the funeral arrangements have been agreed, we will provide the person responsible with a detailed breakdown of the specific charges which make up the funeral cost.
Funeral charges are made up of two types of costs
Funeral Director Charges
These relate to the services and materials provided by Massey Bros. They include, for example, the coffin or casket, hearse and limousine transport, habit/shroud and embalming.
Payments to Third Parties
These relate to costs incurred as part of the agreed funeral arrangements. We pay third party costs on your behalf and then include those costs on the final bill and are only ever costs incurred with your prior approval. Typically, these payments make up the majority of the cost of a funeral and include things like the purchase of a grave, grave opening, cremation charges, church fees, newspaper notices, flowers, organist and other musicians, soloist, funeral stationery and catering.
Help towards funeral costs
Please note that the Bereavement Grant available from the Department of Social and Family Affairs has been discontinued.
If the death of your loved one happened because of an accident at work or while travelling to or from work or as a result of a prescribed disease, you may be entitled to a Funeral Grant of €850 under the Occupational Injuries Scheme. Please refer to www.citizensinformation.ie for more information.
You may also be able to get assistance towards the funeral expenses under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme, which is operated by the Health Boards. No social insurance contributions are required as payment is based on the means of the person responsible for paying the funeral bill. You should apply to your local Community Welfare Officer at your local Health Centre before you pay the funeral bill, as the cheque will be issued to the undertaker/funeral director. The SWA scheme also provides for Exceptional Needs Payments in particular situations.
For more information or to talk to one of our experienced funeral arrangers, please call us on T: +353 1 453 3333 or email E: dermot@masseybros.com.
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.